Erysipelas – colloquially called erysipelas – (synonyms: erysipelas; ICD-10-GM A46: erysipelas [erysipelas]) is a nonpurulent infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (subcutis) that is predominantly caused by group A ß-hemolytic streptococci (GAS (group A streptococci); Streptococcus pyogenes).
It originates from a skin defect and spreads under the epidermis (cuticle) in the lymphatic vessels as well as in the connective tissue. Erysipelas presents as sharply defined severe redness.
The pathogen enters the body parenterally (the pathogen does not penetrate via the intestine), i.e. in this case, it enters the body via small lacerations in the skin, eczema or interdigital mycoses (toe interspace fungal infection) (= percutaneous infection).
The incubation period (time from infection to onset of disease) is usually a few hours to 2 days.
Sex ratio: Men are affected more frequently than women.
The incidence (frequency of new cases) is about 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year.
Persons with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity with chronic venous insufficiency (hypertension (high pressure) in the venous system leading to changes in the veins and skin), chronic lymphedema (increase in tissue fluid due to damage to the lymphatic system), stasis eczema, and immunosuppression (process that suppresses immunological processes) are particularly at risk.
Course and prognosis: The infection can be treated well with antibiotics and heals within a few days without consequences if the immune system is intact. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Hospitalization is indicated in cases of blistering (erysipelas vesiculosum et bullosum) and bullous-hemorrhagic (blistering-bleeding) erysipelas.
Erysipelas is often recurrent (recurring). Note: Recurrent erysipelas is said to occur when ≥ 2 episodes occur in three years.
